It was a day of traditions on July 4. The City of Tega Cay held a daylong celebration of the country's independence and the anniversary of its own incorporation. In Fort Mill, hundreds flocked downtown for an annual rite that includes a presentation of the colors and rifle salute by local veterans and the firing of the Civil War cannon in Confederate Park.

The latter is also a family tradition presided over by Mike Short, who inherited that duty from his uncle Clyde Short. This year, Short fired off both cannons in the park.

"These cannons have a pretty interesting history," Short, a Civil War re-enactor, said.

Gunpowder - stored in a Pringles can - was used to make the charge.